How We Should Not Allow the Wrong Decisions of a Few to Change Our Course of History

A Hao Tangkhul Naga Reflection

History, both global and local, often turns on the decisions of a few — leaders, rulers, or those who hold power. Yet the consequences of those decisions are carried by the many. The world has witnessed countless times how the pride, fear, or misjudgment of a handful of people altered the destiny of entire nations. As Hao Tangkhul Nagas, who have walked through the crossroads of tradition, war, and faith, we too must learn from these lessons: to stay rooted in truth and community, and not let the wrong choices of a few lead us astray.

Lessons from the World Stage

History’s pages are filled with the mistakes of powerful individuals.
When Adolf Hitler led Germany into the Second World War, millions suffered for one man’s ideology. The Holocaust and the global destruction that followed were not the will of the people — they were the tragic result of obedience to fear and false pride. Similarly, in more recent decades, decisions driven by greed and corruption — such as economic mismanagement or unnecessary wars — have brought suffering to ordinary citizens worldwide.

These moments remind us that when people remain silent, the wrong choices of the few can rewrite the destiny of the many. The world moves forward when ordinary citizens choose conscience over convenience — when they say no to injustice, even if it costs them comfort.

India’s National Lessons

In India too, our history has seen moments where leadership decisions shaped the path of generations. During the Emergency of 1975, the democratic voice of the people was silenced by political decree — a stark reminder of how fragile freedom can become under centralized power.
Likewise, divisive politics, corruption, and religious intolerance continue to threaten the unity of a diverse nation. Yet, India has also shown its resilience. The strength of its democracy lies in the power of the people to question, to speak, and to act. Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent movement itself began as a resistance against the unjust decisions of the few — proving that moral courage can realign the course of history.

A Lesson for the Hills and Valleys

In our own context, among the hills of Manipur and the Tangkhul Naga community, we have seen how divisions — political, ethnic, and ideological — often rise from the decisions of a few, yet affect the peace of thousands. The land that once thrived in harmony is now marked by mistrust and conflict.
Sometimes, a single wrong narrative, a false promise, or a political ambition can tear apart generations of shared history. But we must remember: our ancestors did not survive by division. They survived through unity, wisdom, and respect for one another’s dignity.

If we allow bitterness, revenge, or manipulation to decide our direction, we risk losing the values that once defined us — the spirit of brotherhood, land stewardship, and community care. Our future as Tangkhuls, and as part of a larger Northeast Indian family, depends on our courage to rise above narrow interests and to walk again in the truth of who we are.

Standing Firm in the Right Path

The Bible gives us a timeless principle in Proverbs 29:2:

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”

This verse is not only about government — it is about leadership in every form: in churches, communities, and homes. We cannot always control who makes decisions above us, but we can choose how we respond. We can choose integrity over silence, peace over prejudice, and wisdom over impulse.

The Hao Tangkhul Way Forward

For the Hao Tangkhul people, history has always been more than dates — it is our living story. We must not let the wrong paths chosen by a few define the course of our collective identity. Instead, let us return to the roots of truth (mingnao), justice (marei), and community (hao maram). These are the foundations that have kept us strong through generations.

History is not fixed; it is made every day — in our choices, our courage, and our unity. If we stand firm in truth, no wrong decision of a few can change the destiny of an entire people.